Jackie Diaz Named Assistant VP for Student Financial Services

In the continuing effort to improve and enhance service to Baylor University students, the Office of Academic Scholarships and Financial Aid (OASFA) became a department within the University's Financial Services/Treasurer's Office effective June 1, 2006. Jackie Diaz, director of student financial services, has been promoted to assistant vice president for student financial services and will oversee the operations of both the Cashier's Office and OASFA.

"I am honored to have worked with Cliff Neel (formerly assistant vice president and director of scholarships and student financial aid) over the last two years in an effort to improve processes and communications between the Cashier's Office and Financial Aid to the benefit of our students," Diaz said. "As I have enjoyed working with the dedicated staff in the Cashier's Office, I now look forward to joining forces with the talented members of the Financial Aid Office to continue our pursuit of excellence in customer service."

The Cashier's Office and OASFA will remain separate departments to assure the necessary checks and balances between awarding and disbursing of financial aid but will focus on the coordination and integration of a more comprehensive level of financial services to Baylor students and their parents. Many students already perceive this as a single function. Students will benefit from the increased sharing of information and understanding between the staff of the two offices that will allow them to better address the overall financial aid/settlement needs of the students.

Dr. Reagan Ramsower, vice president for finance and administration, introduced this organizational change to continue to fulfill his vision of a more seamless operation. Ramsower said that "this change builds on improved student service initiatives already implemented by the two offices and will move the quality of service to Baylor students to a higher level. Jackie Diaz has demonstrated her strong management and leadership skills with changes made in financial settlement and cashiering operations over the last two years and is the person to lead this integrated service initiative."

"This is a positive step for Baylor students" said Bob Spence, associate vice president for financial services and treasurer. "The depth of experience and expertise within the Financial Aid team makes this change possible at this time. I have complete confidence in Jackie Diaz as an effective communicator and strong leader; she has a passion for Baylor students and our commitment to them."

After graduating from the University of Texas in 1978, Diaz moved to Lima, Peru, to work with mission efforts in that area. Upon her return, she pursued a master's degree at Abilene Christian University (ACU). After 18 years in the business world, she returned to academia as director of billing and receivables at ACU. During that time, she led the conversion of ACU's student accounts to the Banner Student Information System in close coordination with conversion of the financial aid operations.

In August 2004, Diaz joined the staff at Baylor as director of student financial services, directing the operations of the Cashier's Office. She has led the Cashier's Office through significant enhancements in the financial settlement process and other cashiering functions.

Diaz and her husband, Roland, have three children: JoAnna-16, Roland-13, and Jacquelyn-12. They are involved in numerous activities within the China Spring school district and are members of Crestview Church of Christ.